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Clutch Return Spring

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by garage gnome, Mar 5, 2022.

  1. Mar 5, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
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    3,083
    Is there only one clutch return spring on a '73 Commando? Mine only has one from the throwout bearing arm to the bell housing. The clutch pedal doesn't seem to return all the way.
     
  2. Mar 5, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
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  3. Mar 5, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    I don't have a part book for that covers that Jeep, but the later CJ linkage should be similar.

    [​IMG]

    The return spring is not very strong, and appears to only keep the adjuster in the throwout lever pocket. The overcenter spring is beefy and is often broken or gone. The spring on my '75 was broken, but it did not prevent the pedal from returning. Maybe the Commando linkage geometry is a little different.

    [​IMG]

    The overcenter spring for a CJ is available, but it's a pain to replace. You can drill a hole in the firewall and attach a wire to the spring. One person stretches the spring from under the hood, while another manuevers the spring under the dash.

    https://www.cjjeepparts.com/5351118.html

    Suggest you add a leash to the release rod with some parachute cord or a shoelace. The joint on that rod often fails and then you'll lose the rod and adjuster. It can be repaired with a Heim joint.
     
  4. Mar 5, 2022
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    Jul 16, 2007
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    938
    If you get tired of it go with a hydraulic set up. Day & night difference in ease of operation.
     
    dnb71R2 and garage gnome like this.
  5. Mar 5, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Thanks Tim for the pictures. Now I know where to go look for it. It has the same clutch linkage as a CJ.
     
  6. Mar 5, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    I was thinking of a hydraulic clutch and vacuum boosted brakes eventually.
     
  7. Mar 5, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Power brakes were optional, though the exact replacement parts are very scarce. No cores; you'd have to have your diaphragm rebuilt if you had one. Definitely a nice-to-have. I kinda think the clutch is ok, unless you get twisted up in the rocks often. With one front wheel stuffed and the other hanging, the clutch won't disengage.
     
  8. Mar 5, 2022
    jackdog

    jackdog Member

    Finger Lakes NY
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    526
  9. Mar 7, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    I have located a power brake booster for it. :sneak:
     
    Fireball likes this.
  10. Mar 7, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Woohoo!
     
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